best approach to use keyword planner?

you need a google ads account but you don't have to run anything. when it pushes you into making a campaign, look for the switch to expert mode and you can skip it. then it's two tools: discover new keywords (put in a few seed terms or a competitor url) and get search volume and forecasts (paste your own list). set the location properly, it defaults to wherever your account is. the catch: without active spend you get broad ranges like 1k-10k, not exact numbers. fine for comparing, useless for precise forecasting.